How it Works

How it works

At Elle Bee we always aim to provide a simple, enjoyable and stress-free experience for your invitations and stationery. This guide outlines the ordering process along with an array of colours and materials to make your stationery truly yours.

We do recognise that there are a lot of options available so if you have any questions or need help, please contact us. You also have the option of booking in for a free, no-obligation consultation if required which you can do here.

When to order

Timings can differ from couple to couple but we'd recommend the following as a general rule of thumb. If you're in a pinch then we do offer a fast-track service which reduces proofing and production time significantly. Please contact us for more details if required.

Save the Dates

Order 2-3 weeks before sending

We'd typically suggest save the dates are sent to your guests with around 12-18 months before the wedding day, allowing guests to make initial arrangements to attend.

We'd usually suggest leaving a little extra time if opting for foil press or letterpress save the dates.

Invitations

Order 4-6 weeks before sending

Whilst it can fluctuate, the average turnaround time for invitations from end-to-end is around 3-4 weeks.

Unlike save the dates where information is minimal, invitations can be formed of a lot of pieces, handmade elements and information, so we'd always advise leaving enough time. And if opting for foil press or letterpress, leave a little longer to be sure.

Day Stationery

Order 6-8 weeks before wedding day

It may be the case that you only need a piece or two of on-the-day stationery but whether it's a simple requirements or a full set of items, we'd suggest ordering no later than 6-8 weeks before the day.

This will ensure that we have enough wiggle room to make late-notice changes before we go to print but we'd suggest signing off no closer than 2 weeks to your wedding day

Order Process

We have intentionally made the process as streamlined and simple as possible to ensure a stress-free, enjoyable experience. All orders go through the following timeline.

1. Place your Order

All orders are placed directly on our website by configuring your chosen options and making payment. No wording is collected when you're placing the order.

We will email you within 24-48 hours of you placing your order with a request for the wording and details required relating to the order you've placed.

2. Proofing

Upon receipt of your details we will prepare an initial digital proof for you to review. This will be completed within 5 business days.

We include two revision rounds beyond the initial draft so we can be sure that we've corrected any errors or stylistic adjustments. At the end of this process we will get you to sign off your proofs ready for production.

3. Production

Once proofs have been approved we will move your order into our production queue to be completed.

The length of time taken can vary dependent on a number of factors, such as the printing method used and how many handmade elements are included. Most orders are completed within 1-2 weeks but allow longer for foiling and letterpress.

4. Delivery

Upon completion of your order we will check and carefully pack for dispatch.

All orders are sent using a tracked courier service with a 48 hour turnaround time. If you're local to our Worcestershire studio then you have the option of collecting from us during studio hours.

Printing Methods

At Elle Bee we're proud to keep all production work in-house including specialist finishes. This ensures that all work goes through our stringent quality control whilst keeping turnaround times to a minimum.

Digital Printing

Production time: 1-2 weeks

Digital printing is the simplest and most economical method of printing, with traditional printing of black, colour and unique white ink on darker shades. Our house collections are all digitally printed.

Foil Press

Production Time: 2-3 weeks

Exclusively for designs in our Artisan collection, foil pressed invitations and stationery require the engraving of a metal plate which is then heated and pressed into cardstock individually with foil.

Letterpress

Production Time: 2-3 weeks

Similar to foil press, letterpress requires the making of bespoke plates which are then pressed into cardstock individually for a deep, luxurious impression using traditional ink.

Cardstock and Paper Colours

Handmade Paper & Envelopes

Used exclusively with our Artisan collection of foil pressed and letterpress stationery, our handmade paper offers beautiful shades and a unique, tactile style with a naturally torn edge.

Our Artisan collection also offers single- and double-thick white cotton cardstock, perfect for a deep, luxurious impression.

White

Beige

Blush

Earth

Clay

Muted Sage

Sage

Forest Green

Light Blue

Dusky Blue

Dark Blue

Black

Wax Seals

Handmade in our Worcestershire studio, we offer a variety of wax colours as shown below. You can choose from a decorative unpersonalised design, or a personalised engraved monogram in three different shapes (Circular, Oval or Square)

Crema

Antique Copper

Blush

Antique Gold

Prosecco

Champagne

White

Buttercream

Silver

Mulberry

Vintage Rose

Dusty Rose

Peony Pink

Lavender

Clay

Black

Carbon

Thyme

Linen

Sitka

Sequoia

Navy Blue

Dusty Blue

Baby Blue

Circle Shape

Oval Shape

Square Shape

House Designs

Baroque

Canopy

Daisy

Eucalyptus

Fern

Fleur-de-Lis

Foliage

Garden

Holly

Lily

Palm

Rose

Snowdrop

With Love

Wreath

Personalised Monogram Designs

Alice

Bond Street

Eloise

Finsbury

Freya

Hannah

Harriet

Henley

Newbury

Sophia

Vellum Jackets

We offer unprinted transparent vellum jackets with our invitation suites and concertinas in our house collections. For designs in our Artisan collection of foil press and letterpress invitations, the following fine art jackets are available.

Abigail